He gazed moodily out of the window in a state of great suspense. But he had not long to wait. There came a sound of some one running swiftly in heavy boots; and P.C. Jobling appeared, with eyes staring in terror, fleeing down the drive as though pursued by the Furies. Alf watched him out of sight, and turned in amazement as Bill staggered into the room and collapsed on his divan, weak with laughter. "What's 'appened, Bill? What you done?" "Me? Nothin'. I took 'im an' showed 'im the kitchens, all as bare as a board--an' just as we turns to come out we meets Mr. Farr comin' in. The minute the copper sees Farr 'e gives a yell an' about-turns an' legs it so you couldn't see 'is coat-tails for 'eel-plates! Laugh? I laughed meself dry. Get me another, Lucy!" But Alf looked grave. "I don't like it," he said in a troubled voice. "I do 'ate monkeyin' about with the p'lice. This ain't goin' to do us no good, you mark my words!" CHAPTER XIV MR. FARR'S MISGUIDED ZEAL After breakfast on the following Friday Allen approached Isobel solemnly. "May I speak to you for one moment, please, Commandant?" he asked, in portentously official tones. "Certainly, Mr. Allen," she replied in the same manner. "Come into the office." She led the way into the not very tidy sanctum from which she conducted the voluminous correspondence with various military bodies which formed a large share in her work in the Dunwater Park Auxiliary Hospital for Officers. She sat down at her desk and stirred some papers with an air of importance. "You find me very busy," she intimated austerely. "But I can give you a moment. What can I do for you?" Allen, as befitted one in the presence of authority, came to attention. "Please," said he humbly, "I want leave to go up to town by the noon train." "But Sister's the person who runs the leave department." "Yes, but she's gone up herself by the early train." "So she has. Well, what's your reason for this dreadful request?" "I want," said Allen, his eyes twinkling, "to buy myself an engagement ring." Isobel managed to preserve her severity with an effort. "Really," she replied; "I don't think that is at all a good reason. The War Office discourages...." "Very well; then I'll buy you one in the village. I saw a sweet thing in diamonds and sapphires yesterday--only one-and-six." "Don't forget that it's to-day that Mr. Wentworth's coming to tea. Are you going to desert him?" "I am. I can't behave in his presence." "Here's your half-fare voucher, then." "Thank you, darling." "Hush! Stop it! Go away--some one might come in. Patients mustn't kiss commandants. It isn't discipline." "It would be, with some commandants. Well, good luck to the tea-party. And if Wentworth offers any more thousand-pound notes, just remember you've me to support now, and accept."